By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, December 12, 2025 - Mombasa Governor and Chair of the Council of Governors (CoG) Committee on Health, H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, has voiced support for the Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework, highlighting its potential to strengthen Kenya’s health system and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations in Changamwe, Governor Nassir described structured international partnerships as critical for mobilizing resources, enhancing technical capacity, and supporting priority health interventions at both national and county levels.
“Partnerships such as this can significantly strengthen primary healthcare, disease surveillance, health workforce development, and overall health system resilience,” Nassir said.
He emphasized that collaboration with international partners could provide Kenya with technical expertise and financial support, ultimately improving health outcomes for millions of citizens.
The framework, a joint initiative between the Kenyan and U.S. governments, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in public health, medical research, and capacity building. It seeks to leverage resources, knowledge exchange, and innovation to tackle pressing health challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks, non-communicable diseases, and gaps in healthcare delivery.
For Kenya, the initiative represents an opportunity to fast-track key health reforms while building resilience within county health systems.
However, Governor Nassir also acknowledged recent legal developments surrounding the framework. The High Court issued conservatory orders suspending aspects of the agreement related to the transfer, sharing, or dissemination of sensitive personal health data.
Nassir reaffirmed respect for the rule of law, stressing that any cooperation must adhere to Kenya’s constitutional and legal standards. He clarified that county governments, working through the Council of Governors, are committed to implementing all health partnerships transparently and responsibly.
More from Kenya
“Our goal is to ensure that citizens’ privacy, dignity, and rights are fully protected while we engage in meaningful international collaborations,” Nassir stated.
Ongoing dialogue between Kenyan authorities and international partners will continue to ensure that health cooperation frameworks align with national laws and data protection standards. This approach balances the benefits of international collaboration with the imperative to safeguard sensitive health information.
Health experts note that initiatives like the Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework can be transformative if implemented correctly. By providing advanced technical expertise, funding, and global best practices, such partnerships can strengthen health infrastructure, improve workforce training, and enhance preparedness for future health emergencies.
At the same time, careful management of personal health data remains essential. Kenya’s Data Protection Act and constitutional provisions emphasize the safeguarding of citizens’ sensitive information. Legal scrutiny of the framework underscores the growing importance of digital privacy in health partnerships, particularly as technology-driven health programs expand.
Governor Nassir’s remarks highlight a broader trend in global health: international cooperation must go hand in hand with accountability, legal compliance, and citizen protection. For Kenya, the challenge will be to harness the technical and financial benefits of such frameworks while ensuring transparency, ethics, and alignment with national priorities.
As the country navigates the balance between international collaboration and domestic oversight, the Health Cooperation Framework could serve as a model for future partnerships. With technical assistance, resource mobilization, and robust data protection, the initiative could advance Kenya’s health sector while maintaining public trust.
Governor Nassir’s endorsement, coupled with a commitment to constitutional safeguards, sends a clear message: Kenya remains open to international health partnerships, but not at the expense of citizens’ rights or legal standards. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the framework’s implementation. The goal is to deliver tangible health benefits while respecting Kenya’s legal and ethical frameworks.
Discover more Kenya updates
